Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options come to mind: the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Gold. The Milky Red Pro is a linear switch that is highly regarded for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, although not much is known about its specific characteristics. While the Milky Red Pro offers a smooth and affordable typing experience with a bassy sound, the Gold switch provides a different tactile and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Gold, we notice a clear distinction between the two. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3) boasts a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials serve to enhance the overall sound profile of the switches, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Gold utilize nylon materials. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still offer different typing experiences based on their top housing. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right combination of housing materials for your typing preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) and the Outemu Gold hinges on the desired sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the distinction lies in their top housing materials. Whether you prefer the softer, rounder sound of nylon in the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) or the sharper, crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Gold, each material offers a unique typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities further emphasizes the impact of housing materials on the overall sound profile of the switches, highlighting the importance of selecting the right combination for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, we find that both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent light touch for typing or gaming. However, the Gateron Milky Red Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Outemu Gold has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar initial typing experience with their actuation force, the Outemu Gold will provide a bit more resistance when fully pressed down, giving a more substantial typing feel to those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference in terms of desired typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the switch. This makes them both equally responsive in terms of travel distance. So, if you are looking for a switch with a consistent travel distance, both the Milky Red Pro and the Gold are excellent options as they offer the same level of tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
The Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a deep and rich bass tone with a satisfying "thock" sound that is low-pitched. This can create a pleasant typing experience for those who enjoy a smoother and quieter key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, making it difficult to compare. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is described as providing a buttery smooth and seamless typing experience. This implies that the keystrokes are effortless and uniform, adding to the overall comfort of typing on this switch. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel descriptor available for the Outemu Gold clicky switch, making it hard to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its smooth and affordable typing experience with a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, as well as a buttery feel, the information available for the Outemu Gold clicky switch is lacking. Despite this, it is likely that the Outemu Gold switch may offer a different but possibly similar experience in terms of sound and feel. It is important for newcomers to consider their preferences in typing experience, sound profile, and feel when choosing between these two switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched and satisfying "thock" sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium clicky switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams and are not concerned about sound or feel descriptions, the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and priorities in terms of sound, feel, and budget.
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